Surrey will take medical advice before they let Zafar Ansari return to action.

The 22-year-old collided head-first with a boundary fence on Monday morning, after a fruitless chase to cut off an Alastair Cook four, and had to receive urgent medical attention.

He suffered concussion but was released from hospital after a check-up, feeling battered and bruised.

All-rounder Ansari took no further part in the second division match after the incident on the second morning against Essex – Easter Sunday’s opening day having been lost to rain – which finished in a tame draw.

Surrey are due to start their next match, against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl, this Sunday but director of cricket Alec Stewart promised they will listen to the experts.

He said: “Zafar’s in the hands of the medics – it would be great if he’s fit and ready and he’s certainly feeling better each day.

"But we will be guided by what the experts say and we’re just grateful that it wasn’t worse.

“He was the only one in the side who would have had a chance of cutting off the ball because he’s so quick but it was pretty greasy on that part of the outfield – he aquaplaned and the side of his head hit the fence. He’s lucky he didn’t end up with a broken cheekbone.”

Surrey failed to make the most of inserting Essex after winning the toss, the visitors reaching 306, despite Matthew Dunn’s 5-60, the hosts paying the price for not bowling straight and full enough on a pitch offering assistance.

Skipper Graeme Smith’s 65 was a reassuring sign of form for Surrey but their batting continues to look worryingly thin, only Jason Roy’s 46 of the rest making much impression in being bowled out for 237.

Cook made the most of a chance for batting practice by cracking 127 as Essex finished at 258-4dec when time ran out.

The England captain had been Dunn’s opening victim in the first innings, hurried into a skied hook as the 21-year-old paceman took his opportunity after two injury-troubled years.

“It’s been coming out pretty well and I was delighted to finish with five,” said the paceman, who spent last winter playing grade cricket in Adelaide.

“I was pleased with the way I was able to keep coming back but there are always things to improve on.”

Dunn had replaced Tim Linley and Stewart was impressed by the youngster, who took five wickets on his county debut three years ago.

“It’s good that when you give someone an opportunity, he comes in and takes it," he said.

“Unfortunately the game never really got going after we lost the first day.

"I thought we should have bowled them out for about 230 in the conditions and then got a few more ourselves.”